Cardigan News
Cilwendeg to be home of 2013 Urdd eisteddfod
10:26am Friday 17th February 2012
The Urdd National Eisteddfod, Pembrokeshire 2013 is to be held at Cilwendeg near Boncath.
The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Eisteddfod’s Executive Committee.
Originally, over ten offers of possible land to host the festival were received from all four corners of the Pembrokeshire area. Following an assessment process, considering a number of factors, a short list was created. Amongst the possible sites were Cilwendeg near Boncath, the old airfields at St Davids and Templeton, Caeriw Castle, Hayes Castle Cross and the show ground in Haverfordwest.
Following a discussion at the Executive Committee meeting, it was decided that Cilwendeg would host the Urdd National Eisteddfod, Pembrokeshire 2013.
Following the decision, the focus now shifts to the Eisteddfod’s proclamation ceremony, to be held in Haverfordwest on Saturday, 28th April. Hundreds of children, young people and Urdd supporters are expected to head to the town to officially welcome the festival to the area with a parade through the town centre.
The parade will kick-off at 11am from Dew Street Car Park with the route leading to County Hall. There, Gwenda Owen and her band will be singing and dancing along with Samba Doc before Chair of the Executive Committee, Emyr Phillips will present the first copy of the Eisteddfod syllabus.
Schools, aelwydydd ( Urdd community youth groups) and other groups are invited to join the celebrations and design an eye-catching banner for the occasion. There will be a prize for the group with the best banner and the competition will be sponsored by Western Power Distribution and judged by a member of their team.
The Eisteddfod’s Executive Director, Aled Siôn said: “The fact that so many communities in Pembrokeshire wish to welcome the Eisteddfod to their area is very good news for us. The wonderful fundraising efforts undertaken all over the county is testimony to the enthusiasm for the festival and many people can see the benefits of hosting the event.
“We look forward to a wonderful Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire and welcoming thousands of Eisteddfodwyr and visitors from far and wide to Cilwendeg. Our attention now turns to the proclamation ceremony, to officially welcome the festival to the area which promises to be a great day. A warm welcome awaits everyone in Haverfordwest on the 28th of April,” he added.